The media narrative of Labour is that it is unpopular because it’s controlled by ‘special interests’. This ‘special interests’ garbage is code for gays, Maoris, wimin and unionists. We should show that argument the contempt it deserves.

The next Labour leader needs to have the confidence to counter that the true irony here is that it is the National Party who are the real special interests party.

The special interests of Sky City.

The special interests of Federated Farmers.

The special interests of Corporations.

and the special interests of the very wealthy.

The next leader needs to set out what aspiration Labour has to offer while acknowledging that the Labour Party stands for social justice and believes working together provides a far richer country than the select few rowing sleekly away.

I don’t think the next Labour leader can simply reinforce the slanted media narratives that damage Labour the way a very bitter David Shearer has done today. I think the  next Labour leader needs to have the confidence in their beliefs and judgment to challenge those narratives while  championing the pragmatic economic and social polices that can appeal to those who voted National while not alienating the base.

3 more years of a declining economy and tightening welfare will have voters crying out for jobs from an alternative that looks confident in its abilities